Silver Objects from Scheerhafen Kiel
In the summer of 2022, we, the Scientific Diving Association e.V. (SDA) Kiel, carried out a dive in the area of Scheerhafen in Kiel. Anglers had previously reported that their fishing hooks were getting caught on the seabed. Based on this information, we initially assumed the presence of a lost fishing net.
On 30 August 2022, a four-person SDA team descended at the reported location. During the operation, however, it became clear that there was no net on the seabed. Instead, we discovered a large area containing numerous metallic objects.
After surfacing, the items, which had initially been considered scrap metal, were identified by the dive leader and experienced wreck diver Hubert as parts of a ship’s equipment. Subsequent cleaning and examination revealed that they were components of a silver tableware set belonging to the Hamburg-Südamerikanische Dampfschifffahrts-Gesellschaft.
Historical Context
Research revealed that at the discovery site, the passenger ship and later hospital ship Monte Olivia capsized in Kiel’s Scheerhafen on 3 April 1945 as a result of a British air raid. The vessel was salvaged in 1946 and dismantled on site. Apparently, parts of the ship’s fittings and inventory remained on the harbour floor.
During our operations, we documented an extensive find area containing larger metal components and additional objects, including vessels that turned out to be silver teapots and coffee pots. Given the extent of the discoveries, it became clear that further dives would be necessary.
Permits and Further Recoveries
Before continuing the work, a research permit was applied for and granted by the Archaeological State Office of Schleswig-Holstein. The responsible authorities, including the Water Police and the Harbour Authority, were also informed.
During several subsequent operations, we recovered numerous objects, including cutlery, plates, cups, and bowls. In total, we documented and recovered around 300 artefacts. In addition, personal belongings, medical and pharmaceutical equipment, as well as various ship fittings came to light. Larger objects remain at the discovery site.
Handling of the Find
The Archaeological State Office determined that the recovered objects do not fall under the Monument Protection Act of the State of Schleswig-Holstein. From the outset, it was clear to us that the find should not be commercially exploited but preserved as a coherent historical context.
In coordination with Hamburg Süd and the International Maritime Museum Hamburg (IMMH), we decided to hand over the objects to the IMMH, where the shipping company’s archive is also maintained. The official handover and public announcement of the discovery took place on 3 May 2023.
Since then, the artefacts have been scientifically documented and are presented to the public at the IMMH.
